We examined the level of muscular tension of mentalis muscle of 36 students in graphic design at rest and during the presentation of three slides reproducing facial expressions. Analysis showed an increase in the myographic level of mentalis muscle from the third second of measurement onwards after the presentation of the slide in which contraction of the chin was involved. We interpret this result by hypothesizing that the decodification of some facial expressions is realized through a microreproduction of the stimulus from the decodifying subject.

In this research work, sensorial features of four varieties of fresh apples have been investigated by children aged 6-10 years (n = 336) of the Centre-East region of Italy (Abruzzo). The examined sensory properties were visual appealing, aromatic flavour, sourness, sweetness, firmness and crunchiness. Statistical analysis was performed by means of principal component analysis which underlined the differences and similarities between the examined fruits and the most responsive variables. Results are very interesting and allow to better understand the most important descriptors which influence the appreciation of the different tested varieties. Furthermore, it has been noted that different varieties influence each other for the perception of some sensory characteristics. Thus, improving the knowledge of the most appreciated organoleptic properties of apples by young consumers would be very useful and it might stimulate the development of new and more appealing cultivars in the future.

Two aspects of body image (body perception and body acceptance), muscle tone at rest, and disposition to perceive positively connoted stimuli (tickle) were studied with 35 female subjects. Our hypothesized relation of muscle tension and body perception was confirmed by an inverse correlation between these variables. Also evident was the link of the good acceptance of the body with the disposition to perceive pleasurable stimuli (tickle perception) longer and the link of level of body awareness and resistance to change (latency to tickle). Also a direct relationship between body perception and body acceptance emerged.

The relationship between muscular tension in the right and left masseter and orbicularis oris and different forms of hostility measured through the Gottschalk test was examined for 24 female subjects. For the muscles of the right half of the body a direct relation was noted with overt outward hostility, while on the left half of the body only the tension of the masseter was related directly to ambivalent hostility. Our hypothesis about a link between modulation of aggressive behaviors and muscles involved in functions such as chewing and biting was confirmed.

The relationship between styles of oroalimentary behavior and both modulation of aggressive behavior and myographic tension at rest for some muscles engaged in the process of mastication was examined for 24 women. Our data suggested an inverse relation between outward overt hostility and oral appetitive hyperactivation with or without partial masticatory components. Moreover, the oral appetitive activation was negatively correlated with the myographic tension of oral region, particularly the right masseter.